SMH Note: This mold test kit is based on a subsection of the EPA's ERMI study, called the American Relative Mold Test, identifying the species of 13 molds known to cause illness in humans and comparing the quantity found to that found in a database of healthy homes compiled by the EPA, in addition to screening for four other known allergens: from cats, dogs, cockroaches, and dust mites. Though there is no similar study yet conducted for schools, a high reading for molds on this test would indicate a need for more investigation by a professional. The EPA validated the ERMI using homes, not commercial buildings or schools. The American Relative Mold Test does not test for at least one toxic mold commonly found in schools: Stachybotrys, which requires long-term leaks to proliferate, while the full ERMI does provide this test.

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Click to read The Science Behind the Family Air Care Test Kit. 

National Jewish Health, the producer of this mold test kit, was formerly named National Jewish Medical & Research Center, Denver, Colorado, has been ranked since 1998, by U.S. News & World Report, to be the #1 respiratory hospital in the nation (SMH).

BOSTON, Nov 19, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Green Depot ( www.greendepot.com) -- the Brooklyn-based supplier of environmentally friendly and sustainable building products, services and solutions -- today announced it is the official retail distributor of National Jewish Health's Family Air Care(R), a first-of-its-kind indoor allergens and mold test kit that transforms the way individuals and families can check their indoor air quality and compare with other homes nationwide.

 

Individuals may purchase the kit through Green Depot's Web site -- www.greendepot.com - or at any of its five retail centers in Brooklyn, Boston, Philadelphia, Long Island, N.Y. and Newark, N.J. The company announced the kit's availability this week in Boston during the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo.

"We believe green living begins within one's home, of which the indoor air quality is of vital importance," said Sarah Beatty, president and founder of Green Depot. "Family Air Care is a comprehensive, user-friendly solution -- the first from a reliable and respected leader in respiratory health. We're proud to make this product available to all families."

 

To use the kit, individuals attach a small capture device to their vacuum cleaner hose, briefly run the vacuum cleaner in their homes, then mail the collection device to National Jewish Health, the nation's top-ranked respiratory hospital for 11 years, in a pre-paid envelope provided with the kit.

 

The Denver-based hospital then measures the results and posts its findings and comparisons on a secure Web site, which customers may access with a PIN provided with the kit.

 

In addition to providing specific levels for four allergens (cat, dog, cockroach and dust mite) and a relative "moldiness index" formulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the results also show how customers' homes compare with homes across the nation. National Jewish Health also provides information on how customers can reduce allergen levels within their home.

 

Visit www.greendepot.com or www.familyaircare.com for details.

 

ABOUT GREEN DEPOT

Founded in November 2005, Green Depot is a leading supplier of environmentally friendly and sustainable building products, services and solutions. Its primary goal is to facilitate green living and building in communities so that it is accessible, affordable and gratifying. Green Depot has showrooms in Brooklyn, Newark, Philadelphia, Boston, Greenport and Manhattan (opening early 2009), as well as 10 additional distribution centers spanning the Northeast. Green Depot's new ecommerce Web site will relaunch in connection with the Bowery store grand opening, providing national access to the retail information and offerings at the Bowery store. For more information, please visit www.greendepot.com.

 

SOURCE: Green Depot

Copyright Business Wire 2008